The SIP-Bench study proved that good filtering software is a useful supplement to protect children between 6 and 16 against harmful content on the Internet. The SIP-Bench study, as part of the European Commission’s “Safer Internet Plus Programme”, consists of a three-year benchmarking study on 30 tools for parental control. The annual benchmark examines how effectively the actual filtering solutions can protect children who use their browser, e-mail, file transfer, peer-to-peer, chat and instant messaging without refusing the access to for example educational material. Furthermore, the study examines how the solutions can be installed and personalised, while respecting the European legislation on privacy and trade practices.

In 2006 and 2007, the tools have been tested by more than hundred parents and teachers in several European countries, and by Expert Testers. For all aspects of the tools such as ease of installation, running without conflicts, speed and language support, the tests identified at least one tool with an optimal score. The results of the 2006 and 2007 benchmark are available on http://www.sip-bench.eu

This year the tools will be compared again. Every person with children under supervision can participate in the study via http://www.sip-bench.eu i.e. parents, schools and other educators. Participants will receive one or more filtering tools for free which they can evaluate at home or at school. After the test procedure, they need to fill in the questionnaire(s). This evaluation is very important as all feedback will be used by the European Commission and the suppliers of filtering software. This way, participants will not only protect their own children better, but also help to improve the tools.